Christophe Fratin (1801–1864) "the Bear Fight" 19th Century Bronze Sculpture

Christophe FRATIN (1801–1864) "The Bear Fight"
Bronze with golden brown patina
Dimensions 4 x 5 x 8 cm

Christophe FRATIN was born on January 1, 1801 in Metz. His profession, taxidermist, was undoubtedly of great influence on the artist, both of them having to strive, beyond anatomical reproduction, to give a "feeling", a "soul" to the work produced. In the years 1830-1840, his success was such that he participated in the creation for the Duke of Orléans, eldest son of Louis Philippe, and in collaboration with other artists such as Barye, Pradier and Feuchère, of an important princely table centerpiece. He also created for the Duke of Luynes the lions that adorn a pediment of the Château de Dampierre. His career was international, as he worked in England and some of his works can be found in Russia, notably in the former Tsar's Park in Saint Petersburg. One of his great works was the hunting pediment at the Louvre, created under Napoleon III. Along with Mène and Barye, Fratin is undoubtedly one of the best sculptors of the 19th century, but with this "fantastic", "comic" or "original" particularity that gives him a special and prominent place among the animal artists of this period.